Graham Walker, Digital Editor

Superhero fans with the power of staying awake into the wee small hours packed theatres for the midnight release last night of the new X Men: Apocalypse - but does it have the X factor?

Hundreds of fans went to see it at Sheffield's Cineworld and we caught up with them who gave in the main a super thumbs up.

VIDEO: Press the play button on our video above to watch the trailer and fan verdicts.

Bosses at the cinema say the prequel trilogy looks set to be another mutant hit.

Dave Vaughan, Cineworld Sheffield Operations manager, said: "We had a lot of people coming out of the screening with massive grins on their faces.

"It's one of the biggest X Men films of all time. Apocalypse makes his first cinematic appearance. A brilliant follow up to X Men from last year with Bryan Singer back in the director's seat.

"To support that we've got it in IMAX with laser, in 4DX, across the VIP screens, in 2D and 3D. It's going to be a mutant of a movie for us."

Getting fans in the mood in the cinema foyer, with lots of selfie opportunities, was Chesterfield based The Superheroes cosplay team dressed as leading characters from the film including Professor X look-a-like Paul Brady, 48, wife Trish, 47, as Jean Grey, son Warren, 18, as Angel, and Nicola Styles, 31, from Barnsley.

Some hardcore fans even watch a triple bill screening, from early evening, which began when James McAvoy (Professor X) and Michael Fassbender (Magneto) took over the roles made famous by Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen in 2011's X-Men: First Class.

Days Of Future Past followed, in 2014, now comes the latest 20th Century Fox instalment, X-Men: Apocalypse.

It’s 10 years since the events of the last film and the world faces an even greater threat when Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), the world’s very first mutant, reawakens after thousands of years.

Disillusioned at the state of mankind, he assembles a team of powerful mutants, including Magneto (Michael Fassbender), Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Psylocke (Olivia Munn) and Angel (Ben Hardy), to help create a new world order.

It’s up to Professor X (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence), as well as their team of young X-Men, to stop Apocalypse and save the world from destruction. A top follow up to the first two prequels, which sets the pace for future sequels. Don't miss the spectacular and amazing first 10-minutes, an ancient Egyptian scene setter, with some of the best special effects in recent years.

For Cineworld timings and tickets - for all films on show - www.cineworld.co.ukBut what did fans think of it. Here's what the said as they left Cineworld Sheffield.

X-Men: Apocalypse in cinemas now

Chloe Mather, 17, of Rotherham, said: "I loved it. I liked the fact they used some of the history behind the characters and you could really see the story build up. They also added some more characters in, that you haven't really seen much of in the past X Men films. It was really, really good."

Crystal Wynn, 31, of Sheffield, said: "I thought it was brilliant, amazing. The best thing I've seen this year."

Shannon Finn, 19, of Sheffield, said: "I thought it was really good. There was loads of action in it."

Richard Seegar, 28, from Chicago, now living in Sheffield, was luke warm about the film. He said: "It was good. It captures a lot about what the X Men are about, an esemble cast and getting together as superheroes. I don't think it's the best X Men.I don't think it's th worst. It was OK."

Jack Durham, 25, of Sheffield, said he didn't think it was up to the latest recent Captain America new release. He said: "It's not as good as Captain America Civil War. If you want to see a good superhero film watch that."

Paul Greaves, 26, of Sheffield, said: It was very good. I enjoyed it. Effects wise it was the best one I've seen yet."

Dave Vaughan, Cineworld Sheffield Operations manager, said: "We're showing it in IMAX with laser, in 4DX, across the VIP screens, in 2D and 3D. It's going to be a mutant of a movie for us."

Gareth Bower, 32, said: "It was really good. A good strong third film. I was really impressed by Jean Grey's character in it. I was really looking forward to it. That's why I came to the midnight showing."

Carl Le Duc, 29, original from Canada, now in Rotherham, said: "It was pretty good. They don't know what they are going to do with it yet and they can go in a few directions, link it into Deadpool, definitely some links into the next Wolverine movie.It depends what they are going to be allowed to do, depending on copyright laws."

Chloe Mather, 17, of Rotherham, said: "I loved it. They added more characters, that you haven't really seen much of in the past X Men films. It was really, really good."

X-Men: Apocalypse

Jack Durham, 25, of Sheffield, said he didn't think it was up to the latest recent Captain America new release.

Crystal Wynn, 31, of Sheffield, said: "I thought it was brilliant, amazing. The best thing I've seen this year."

Shannon Finn, 19, of Sheffield, said: "I thought it was really good. There was loads of action in it."